Puzzle with combined interlocking members

ABSTRACT

A puzzle with combined interlocking members includes R interlocking members, of which R≧7. The interlocking member is composed of two ends and a central portion as well as a first surface and a corresponding second surface. The first and second surfaces are provided with 16 blocks for changing the recessed positions of the central portion. Six interlocking members from R interlocking members can be assembled into at least two configurations or solutions. In addition, this invention provides many other configurations with at least 14 predefined interlocking members of different constructions. So, it presents many flexible configurations with excellent amusement and strong challenge.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a puzzle with combined interlocking members, and more particularly to an innovative one that is designed with a variety of configurations presenting excellent amusement and strong challenges.

2. Description of Related Art

The prime importance of a puzzle depends on the configuration of interlocking members for challenging the wits, rather than the quantity of interlocking members.

However, most commercially available puzzles can be roughly classified as interlocking members of <6, =6 and >6. About a puzzle with less than 6 interlocking members (e.g. 3 interlocking members), it can be easily solved because of its simple configuration and low variation. As a result, it is lack of amusement and challenge. A puzzle with 6 interlocking members is limited to a single form of configuration despite of its moderate difficulty. Moreover, a puzzle with more than 6 interlocking members (e.g. 24) presents too complicated configuration that needs to take a longer time to find out the solution. It is unsuitable for busy people. And, its design is also limited to only one solution that is just a single form of final assembled configuration.

Hence, it is necessary to develop a new product to solve the shortcomings and problems mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a puzzle with combined interlocking members has many solutions or final assembled configurations.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a puzzle with combined interlocking members presenting strong amusement and challenges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plane view of interlocking members of the puzzle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the block position on first surface of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the block position on second surface of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the puzzle with combined interlocking members of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of 15 configurations of the puzzle of the present invention for “Beginner” level.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of 24 configurations of the puzzle of the present invention for “Advanced” level.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of 12 configurations of the puzzle of the present invention for “Magic” level.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of interlocking members of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an assembled view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of interlocking members of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, 11 D and 11 E are schematic views of the assembly processes of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of interlocking members of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13 E and 13 F are schematic views of the assembly processes of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of interlocking members of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an assembled view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of interlocking members of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, 18 D and 18 E are schematic views of the assembly processes of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19 A, 19 B, 19 C, 19 D, 19 E and 19 F are schematic views of the assembly processes of the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a puzzle with combined interlocking members comprises R interlocking members 10, of which R≧7. Each interlocking members 10 has a square cross-sectional shape of 2 unit lengths×2 unit lengths. The interlocking member 10 is composed of two ends 20 and a central portion 30 of 4 unit lengths. Moreover, the central portion 30 is provided with at least a first surface 31 and a corresponding second surface 32. The first surface 31 is provided with a first block 31A, a second block 31B, a third block 31C, a fourth block 31D, a fifth block 31E, a sixth block 31F, a seventh block 31G and an eighth block 31H. Furthermore, the second surface 32 is provided with a ninth block 32A, a tenth block 32B, an eleventh block 32C, a twelfth block 32D, a thirteenth block 32E, a fourteenth block 32F, a fifteenth block 32G and a sixteenth block 32H. The interlocking members 10 are available with different shapes. In which, six interlocking members 10 of R interlocking members 10 can be assembled into at least two configurations (or solutions).

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. About this puzzle with combined interlocking members, it comprises 14 interlocking members 10, namely: R=14. Each interlocking member 10 has a square cross-section shape of 2 unit lengths×2 unit lengths. The interlocking member 10 is composed of two ends 20 and a central portion 30 of 4 unit lengths. Moreover, the central portion 30 is provided with at least a first surface 31 and a corresponding second surface 32; the first surface 31 is provided with a first block 31A, a second block 31B, a third block 31C, a fourth block 31D, a fifth block 31E, a sixth block 31F, a seventh block 31G and an eighth block 31H. Furthermore, the second surface 32 is provided with a ninth block 32A, a tenth block 32B, an eleventh block 32C, a twelfth block 32D, a thirteenth block 32E, a fourteenth block 32F, a fifteenth block 32G and a sixteenth block 32H. In which, these 14 interlocking members 10 (shown in FIG. 4) comprise:

a first interlocking member 10A (briefly called A hereafter), of which its first block 31A, second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, fifth block 31E, sixth block 31F, seventh block 31G, eighth block 31H, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a second interlocking member 10B (briefly called B hereafter), of which its first block 31A, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, ninth block 32A, eleventh block 32C and twelfth block 32D are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a third interlocking member 10C (briefly called C hereafter), of which its second block 31 B, third block 31C, fourth block 31 D, seventh block 31 G, eighth block 31H, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a fourth interlocking member 10D (briefly called D hereafter), of which its second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, sixth block 31F, seventh block 31G, eleventh block 32C and twelfth block 32D are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a fifth interlocking member 10E (briefly called E hereafter), which is a solid interlocking member 10 without any recessed portion;

a sixth interlocking member 10F (briefly called F hereafter), of which its first block 31A, second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, fifth block 31E, eighth block 31H, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a seventh interlocking member 10G (briefly called G hereafter), of which its first block 31A, second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, ninth block 32A, tenth block 32B, eleventh block 32C and twelfth block 32D are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

an eighth interlocking member 10H (briefly called H hereafter), of which its second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, sixth block 31F, seventh block 31G, tenth block 32B, eleventh block 32C and twelfth block 32D are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a ninth interlocking member 10I (briefly called I hereafter), of which its second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, eighth block 31H, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a tenth interlocking member 10J (briefly called J hereafter), of which its second block 31B, third block 31C, sixth block 31F and seventh block 31G are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

an eleventh interlocking member 10K (briefly called K hereafter), of which its third block 31C, fourth block 31D, eleventh block 32C and twelfth block 32D are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a twelfth interlocking member 10L (briefly called L hereafter), of which its fourth block 31D and twelfth block 32D are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones);

a thirteenth interlocking member 10M (briefly called M hereafter), of which its second block 31B, third block 31C, sixth block 31F, seventh block 31G, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones); and

a fourteenth interlocking member 10N (briefly called N hereafter), of which its second block 31B, third block 31C, sixth block 31F, seventh block 31G and tenth block 32B are removed (as recessed portions or empty ones).

In practice, a first interlocking member 10A can be added into 14 interlocking members (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, 10M, and 10N), so that more flexible configurations can be realized with 15 interlocking members including 2 first interlocking members 10A, which are also called as a “half-set” of puzzle with combined interlocking members, with 15 interlocking members 10 (R=15) expressed as “AABCDEFGHIJKLMN”.

In addition, except the above 15 interlocking members 10, the following ones can be added:

a fifteenth interlocking member 10O (briefly called O hereafter, of which its first block 31A, second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, fifth block 31E, sixth block 31F, eighth block 31H, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed as recessed portions or empty ones),

a sixteenth interlocking member 10P (briefly called P, of which its first block 31A, second block 31B, third block 31C, fourth block 31D, fifth block 31E, seventh block 31G, eighth block 31H, tenth block 32B and eleventh block 32C are removed as recessed portions or empty ones);

another first interlocking member 10A;

another seventh interlocking member 10G;

another eleventh interlocking member 10K; and

another twelfth interlocking member 10L.

Under this condition, the puzzle contains 21 interlocking members 10 (R=21). All the 21 interlocking members 10 (R=21) can be called as a “complete set” of puzzle with combined interlocking members, with 21 interlocking members expressed as “AAABCDEFGGHIJKKLLMNOP”.

Based on the “complete set” of puzzle with combined interlocking members, at least 51 possible forms (or solutions) of configurations are successfully implemented through endless research and attempts of the inventor. These 52 solutions can be roughly categorized as follows:

“Beginner”: A1 to A15, shown in FIG. 5 (namely AAABEJ, MABEK, AAAJKL, AAALLM, AABEFM, AAEFGJ, AAEFGK, AAEFHJ, AAEFHK, AAFJKK, AAFKLM, AAGGLL, ABEFGG, AFGGKL, and FFGGKK.)

“Advanced”: B1 to B24, shown in FIG. 6 (namely AABCDE, AACEJO, AACEKO, AADEFN, AADEJP, AADEKP, AADILN, AADLMN, AAGIKL, ABEFGH, ACDEFG, ACDFJK, ADFIKN, ADFKMN, ADIKKP, AEFGHI, AEFHNO, AEGJOP, AEGKOP, AJLMOP, AJKKOP, AKLMOP, GHKLOP, and GIKKOP); and

“Magic” (for top players): C1 to C12, shown in FIG. 7 (namely AACDEI, AACDJL, AACDKL, ABCEHO, ACDEFH, ACDFKK, ACHKLO, CDEGOP, CDJKOP, CDKKOP, CFGKKO, and DFGKKP).

Except these 51 disclosed configurations, it is possible to find out more configurations or solutions for any user who is interested in that.

In the present invention, the configurations cover a wide range from the easy, medium, and difficult. That is, it is sufficient to cater for the needs of beginners, advanced players, and top players.

However, “required members”, “assembly order” and “(X)(Y)(Z)” of every final assembled configuration are clearly listed in FIGS. 5 to 7. With regard to (X)(Y)(Z), it means the assembly relationship of neighboring interlocking members of the final configuration on three axles. Plus, (X)(Y)(Z) shows a relative relation for the users of interest. Besides, the symbol “+” of the assembly order means an integrated combination must be assembled first. The symbol “˜” means a slippage behavior (e.g. slipping or drawing for a certain distance) is conducted firstly for subsequent combination.

A few typical preferred embodiments of configurations are described hereunder:

[1] First preferred embodiment (“AABCDE” of B1 for “Advanced” level): comprising the first interlocking member 10A, second interlocking member 10B, third interlocking member 10C, fourth interlocking member 10D and fifth interlocking member 10E, with the configuration prior to assembly shown in FIG. 8; and that after assembly shown in FIG. 9.

[2] Second preferred embodiment (“AACDEI” of C1 for “Magic” level): comprising 2 first interlocking members 10A, third interlocking member 10C, fourth interlocking member 10D, fifth interlocking member 10E and ninth interlocking member 10I, with the configuration prior to assembly shown in FIG. 9; and that during the process of assembly shown in FIGS. 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, 11D and 11 E.

[3] Third preferred embodiment (“AAEFHJ” of A8 for “Beginner” level): comprising 2 first interlocking members 10A, fifth interlocking member 10E, sixth interlocking member 10F, eighth interlocking member 10H and tenth interlocking member 10J, with the configuration prior to assembly shown in FIG. 12, and that during the process of assembly shown in FIGS. 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, 13 D, 13E and 13F.

[4] Fourth preferred embodiment (“AAFKLM” of All for “Beginner” level): comprising 2 first interlocking members 10A, sixth interlocking member 10F, eleventh interlocking member 10K, twelfth interlocking member 10L and thirteenth interlocking member 10M, with the configuration prior to assembly shown in FIG. 14, and that after assembly shown in FIG. 15.

[5] Fifth preferred embodiment (“ADFIKN” of B13 for “Advanced” level): comprising the first interlocking member 10A, fourth interlocking member 10D, sixth interlocking member 10F, ninth interlocking member 10I, eleventh interlocking member 10K and fourteenth interlocking member 10N, with the configuration prior to assembly shown in FIG. 16, and that after assembly shown in FIG. 17.

[6] Sixth preferred embodiment (“AADILN” of B7 for “Advanced” level): comprising 2 first interlocking members 10A, fourth interlocking member 10D, ninth interlocking member 10I, twelfth interlocking member 10L and fourteenth interlocking member 10N, with the assembly process shown in FIGS. 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, 18 D and 18 E. Attention: the first interlocking member 10A in FIG. 18 D is to be combined with the twelfth interlocking member 10L (“A+D” assembly order of B7 in FIG. 6), and then inserted into it for configuration.

[7] Seventh preferred embodiment: (“CDEGOP” of C8 for “Advanced” level): comprising third interlocking member 10C, fourth interlocking member 10D, fifth interlocking member 10E, seventh interlocking member 10G, fifteenth interlocking member 10O and sixteenth interlocking member 10P, with the assembly process shown in FIGS. 19A, 19 B, 19 C, 19 D, 19 E and 19 F.

In summary, the advantages and efficacies of the present invention are concluded below:

[1] Flexible configuration: the typical invention is mainly limited to a single form of configuration, while the puzzle with combined interlocking members of the present invention comprises at least (e.g. half-set R=15, or complete set R=21) seven interlocking members, allowing to change flexibly the quantity of interlocking members and also replace them according to the relative relation. Now, there are at least 51 configurations far more than currently available products (with a single configuration).

[2] Excellent amusement and strong challenge: a typical puzzle presents too simple configuration and variation, resulting poorer amusement and challenge. A puzzle with excessive interlocking members presents too complicated configuration that needs to take a longer time to find out the solution. It is unsuitable for the modern people. But, the puzzle of the present invention is provided with a half-set of 15 or a complete set of 21 interlocking members. Since the quantity of interlocking member can be changed/replaced flexibly, a variety of innovative configurations may be developed at one's own discretion. In addition, the present invention with 6 interlocking members is provided with at least 51 forms of configurations, and divided roughly into 3 types according to the degree of difficulty: Beginner, Advanced and Magic, presenting excellent amusement and strong challenge.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1. A puzzle with combined interlocking members, comprising R interlocking members, of which R 7, each having a square cross-sectional shape of 2 unit lengths×2 unit lengths; said interlocking member being composed of two ends and a central portion of 4 unit lengths; said central portion being provided with at least a first surface and a corresponding second surface; said first surface being provided with a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, a fifth block, a sixth block, a seventh block and an eighth block; said the second surface being provided with a ninth block, a tenth block, an eleventh block, a twelfth block, a thirteenth block, a fourteenth block, a fifteenth block and a sixteenth block; so that the interlocking members are available with different shapes, of which 6 interlocking members of R interlocking members can be assembled into at least two configurations.
 2. A puzzle with combined interlocking members, comprising R interlocking members, of which R=14, each having a square cross-section shape of 2 unit lengths×2 unit lengths; said interlocking member being composed of two ends and a central portion of 4 unit lengths; said central portion being provided with a first surface and a corresponding second surface; said first surface being provided with a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, a fifth block, a sixth block, a seventh block and an eighth block; said second surface being provided with a ninth block, a tenth block, an eleventh block, a twelfth block, a thirteenth block, a fourteenth block, a fifteenth block and a sixteenth block; said 14 interlocking members comprising: a first interlocking member, of which its first block, second block, third block, fourth block, fifth block, sixth block, seventh block, eighth block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed; a second interlocking member, of which its first block, third block, fourth block, ninth block, eleventh block and twelfth block being removed; a third interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, fourth block, seventh block, eighth block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed; a fourth interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, fourth block, sixth block, seventh block, eleventh block and twelfth block are of removed; a fifth interlocking member, which is a solid interlocking member; a sixth interlocking member, of which its first block, second block, third block, fourth block, fifth block, eighth block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed; a seventh interlocking member, of which its first block, second block, third block, fourth block, ninth block, tenth block, eleventh block and twelfth block being removed; an eighth interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, fourth block, sixth block, seventh block, tenth block, eleventh block and twelfth block being removed; a ninth interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, fourth block, eighth block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed; a tenth interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, sixth block and seventh block being removed; an eleventh interlocking member, of which its third block, fourth block, eleventh block and twelfth block being removed; a twelfth interlocking member, of which its fourth block and twelfth block being removed; a thirteenth interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, sixth block, seventh block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed; and a fourteenth interlocking member, of which its second block, third block, sixth block, seventh block and tenth block being removed.
 3. The puzzle with combined interlocking members as defined in claim 2, further comprises another first interlocking member, totalizing 15 interlocking members.
 4. The puzzle with combined interlocking members as defined in claim 2, further comprising: a fifteenth interlocking member, of which its first block, second block, third block, fourth block, fifth block, sixth block, eighth block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed; and a sixteenth interlocking member, of which its first block, second block, third block, fourth block, fifth block, seventh block, eighth block, tenth block and eleventh block being removed.
 5. The puzzle with combined interlocking members as defined in claim 4, further comprises another 2 first interlocking member, another seventh interlocking member, another eleventh interlocking member and another twelfth interlocking member, totalizing 21 interlocking members.
 6. The puzzle with combined interlocking members as defined in claim 5, wherein the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth, the ninth, the tenth, the eleventh, the twelfth, the thirteenth, the fourteenth, the fifteenth and sixteenth interlocking members are referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, respectively; and a final assembled configuration is selected from one of AAABEJ, AAABEK, AAAJKL, AAALLM, AABEFM, AAEFGJ, AAEFGK, AAEFHJ, AAEFHK, AAFJKK, AAFKLM, AAGGLL, ABEFGG, AFGGKL, and FFGGKK.
 7. The puzzle with combined interlocking members as defined in claim 5, wherein the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth, the ninth, the tenth, the eleventh, the twelfth, the thirteenth, the fourteenth, the fifteenth and sixteenth interlocking members are referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, respectively; and a final assembled configuration is selected from one of AABCDE, AACEJO, AACEKO, AADEFN, AADEJP, AADEKP, AADILN, AADLMN, AAGIKL, ABEFGH, ACDEFG, ACDFJK, ADFIKN, ADFKMN, ADIKKP, AEFGHI, AEFHNO, AEGJOP, AEGKOP, AJLMOP, AJKKOP, AKLMOP, GHKLOP, and GIKKOP.
 8. The puzzle with combined interlocking members as defined in claim 5, wherein the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth, the ninth, the tenth, the eleventh, the twelfth, the thirteenth, the fourteenth, the fifteenth and sixteenth interlocking members are referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, respectively; and a final assembled configuration is selected from one of AACDEI, AACDJL, AACDKL, ABCEHO, ACDEFH, ACDFKK, ACHKLO, CDEGOP, CDJKOP, CDKKOP, CFGKKO, and DFGKKP. 